MARCH 22, 2024 FAMILY SHELTER FAMILY from last page provide immediate shelter relief, however, injury to the childrens’ overall well-being could not be avoided in this way. It was discovered that the Ann Arbor City Council sold the Dental School on N. Ashley Street in Ann Arbor to the Ann Arbor Housing Commission for $1 with a plan to transform the property into affordable housing units. The groundbreaking for the affordable housing units wouldn't occur for two more years and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission did not want it to sit empty, so they asked Shonagh and Brad of Alpha House if they wanted to rent it and they did. There were not enough bathrooms so they opted to utilize the empty building for their offices, and renovate the now empty former offices at Alpha House into eight more rooms for families, another storage, and full bathroom. Two more washers and dryers will be added as well within the Alpha House facility during the renovations. The kitchen is being renovated, too. Volunteer Coordinator Patty Page shared that she was recently injured and it has totally impacted her abilities. She expressed how it made her feel like she couldn't be of any assistance. She had a spark of inspiration when asked to aid in the interior designing of the rooms being renovated. She refers to herself in a jocose manner as the interior design reference person. Patty has always put her decorative skills to use throughout Alpha House. Patty is very vocally energetic and full of enthusiasm. I couldn't tell that she was going through a setback. She wants the shelter to feel like a transitional home because she wants the clients to maintain the hope of having a home of their own to decorate as they please. I love the building trades, particularly carpentry, so meeting volunteer Greg Humbel who is renovating the kitchen at Alpha House was an added bonus. Greg stated that he loves what he is doing for Alpha House. He is also a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ann Arbor. We need lots more people of your integrity, Greg; keep being you. You build up more than buildings. Your work builds lives too! I enjoy talking to a person instead of an automated answering service; this is how I met Program Director Denise Diggs-Taylor. I needed to get a couple of answers about Alpha House and was unable to reach a live person earlier that day and left a message and my phone number. To my surprise, not even an hour later I received a call back from none other than Denise. I introduced myself again, asked my questions and got answers and the opportunity to talk briefly with Denise. She was very helpful, pleasant and patient with me. It takes me back to when I worked the switchboard and had a lot of pleasant, unique and brief talks with people for the first time. We have to keep live communications alive. We can now get to the highlight of this article: the renovation of the existing wing at Alpha House, that will provide more shelter for eight more families. The renovations began the second week of February and are expected to be complete by April 2. The Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House invites everyone to drop by their open house to tour the new residential wing on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 2-7 p.m. at 4290 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. I personally am suggesting that you bring a donation if you can, but no worries if you can't. Do keep in mind that Alpha House only accepts brand new items. Conclusion I am very pleased and impressed by everyone I encountered there. I want to thank you all for receiving me with open arms and eyes. Brad is the kind of person that made me question one of my own fears. That is approaching people for any kind of interview. With him, being so willingly helpful to me, it erased that. It boosted my confidence level that day and made me smile inside. I was made aware that Brad considered a child client that needed help with homework and personally undertook the task of getting a tutor on board at Alpha House. The children are our future. Anyone who takes care of the babies is alright with me. I call all children under 18 babies, though I know they’re not. It is pretty difficult for me to put into such a few words the way that I felt when I met Shonagh. She made me feel like I was her sister and we'd talked many times before. I admire you for your faith and volition to empower, encourage, and help others. You are a take action person and I like that. Patty, if you aren't at 100% now, I can't wait until you are fully recovered. I was so filled with hope listening to how much you have to offer just being you. I thought of a project I can do to make something for Alpha House. Thank you all once again. Just a useful tidbit for anyone that I have experienced and witnessed, is that volunteering where you are or at other places can or may more likely result in landing a stable employment position where you are. The benefits are innumerable both personally and professionally. After all, there is nothing like hands-on experience! GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Unusual Stuff to Borrow There’s more to borrow at AADL than books, music, and movies. To name a few, there are games, telescopes, stories-to-go kits, and home tools. Check out these unusual yet handy items during your next library visit. Book Clubs To Go Book Clubs To Go is a service available at each AADL location that provides the convenience of complete kits for book discussions. Inside, you’ll find 10 copies of the featured book, one movie DVD, and a resource folder. Request a kit today through the online catalog or by calling (734) 327-4200. FEATURED EVENT AADL GAME CON 2024 exp. 01/31/2025 Saturday, April 13 • 11:00am–5pm Downtown Library Game Con is a free, super-charged gaming extravaganza featuring gaming sessions, presentations, and a Vendor Hall to find the perfect accessory for your next game night! Gaming sessions will run all day long, with a schedule of presentations on topics related to RPGs and game design for attendees to participate in. Check out aadl.org/gamecon for a list of gaming sessions and additional Game Con details. Outdoor family play area at Alpha House. 5
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